Start of Operation

Jo Yuan stood in the shadows, gazing at the imposing silhouette of the mayor's manor. It loomed before him, its grand architecture silhouetted against the moonlit sky. He had planned this for days, crafting a meticulous strategy for his infiltration.

His first task had been to study the manor from afar. Using the cover of night, he had observed the guards' routines, noting how many there were and their patrol routes. He had counted at least five guards stationed at the entrance and two more near the eastern wall, each taking shifts every hour. He even memorized their names—Zhao, the burly one with a scar on his cheek; Lin, the tall one with sharp eyes; and a few others whose faces had etched themselves into his mind.

In addition to the guards, Jo Yuan had taken note of the servants' comings and goings. There were a few who moved about the estate during the late hours: Mei, the cook, who often took out the trash; and Han, a stable hand, who sometimes sneaked away for a smoke. Their habits could provide distractions or, if needed, useful allies.

Jo Yuan had also gathered information on the layout of the manor, skimming through conversations overheard in the marketplace. The main entrance led to an expansive hallway, lined with portraits of the mayor's ancestors. A staircase spiraled up to the second floor, while doors to the left and right opened into various rooms. He had memorized where the study was located, as well as the library, where he suspected the jade slip might be hidden.

Tonight, he would slip inside using the shadows as his cloak. He had decided to wait until the clock struck midnight, when the guards would be drowsy and the household quiet. Jo Yuan approached the entrance, heart racing with anticipation. He crouched behind a hedge, watching as the guard named Zhao yawned and leaned against the wall. Jo Yuan seized the moment, slipping through the open gate into the manor's grounds.

Once inside, Jo Yuan moved swiftly and quietly, sticking to the edges of the walls. He made his way past the main entrance and towards the side door leading to the kitchen. He could hear Mei humming softly as she cleaned up the remnants of dinner. The scent of spiced pork wafted through the air, reminding him of home. After a moment's hesitation, he crept past the kitchen and continued down the corridor, heading for the study.

Inside the study, Jo Yuan began searching through drawers and cabinets. He felt his pulse quicken as he rifled through papers and books. He needed to find the jade slip, but it was nowhere to be seen. In the back of his mind, he reminded himself that he had to stay calm and focused. Just then, he heard footsteps approaching. He quickly ducked behind a large bookcase, holding his breath.

The door creaked open, and a woman stepped inside. It was the mayor's wife, a woman named Lian who had a reputation for her intelligence and beauty. Jo Yuan peered out from his hiding spot, listening intently as she began to speak to herself.

"They think they can keep it hidden forever," Lian murmured, her voice a mix of frustration and longing. "If only I could find the jade slip, I could help him. The formations around it are too strong for just anyone to breach."

Jo Yuan's heart raced. This was the information he needed. He leaned in closer, straining to catch every word.

"It's in the hidden compartment behind the library's fireplace," she continued, unaware of his presence. "But those formations… I don't know how to unlock them. If only I had the right knowledge, I could help my husband."

Jo Yuan's mind raced as he processed this revelation. The jade slip was indeed hidden in the library, but the powerful formations surrounding it would require knowledge he didn't yet possess. Just then, Lian turned, and in his haste to stay concealed, Jo Yuan stumbled, knocking over a stack of books.

The sound startled her. "Who's there?" she called, her voice filled with alarm.

In an instant, Jo Yuan knew he had to escape. He dashed out of the study and into the corridor, but he could hear the shouts of guards in the distance. The momentary hope he had felt vanished, replaced by the overwhelming urge to flee. As he sprinted toward the back door, he could feel their presence closing in on him.

Just as he reached the entrance, he felt a powerful surge of energy around him. It was the formation Lian had mentioned, and it suddenly activated, ensnaring him in a painful grip. He gasped, struggling against its power, but it was too late. The world around him began to blur and twist.

Jo Yuan awoke again under the great tree, the familiar soft earth beneath him. Anger coursed through him as he realized he had failed once more. He clenched his fists in frustration.